Google's AI overviews now appear at the top of millions of searches — above the ads, above the organic results, above everything. For local businesses, this is a major shift.
What's actually changing
AI overviews pull information from your Google Business Profile, your website, and third-party review sites. Businesses with complete, authoritative profiles are being featured. Businesses with thin profiles are invisible.
- GBP completeness directly affects AI overview inclusion
- Review quality (not just quantity) influences AI summaries
- Structured data on your website helps Google understand your services
“We started appearing in AI answers for ‘best HVAC company in Denver’ after six weeks of consistent GBP updates. Calls went up 28%.”— Priya S., co-owner of Arctic HVAC
The local pack is not going away
For service businesses, the map 3-pack remains the most valuable piece of real estate on a search results page. AI overviews complement it — they don't replace it. You need both.